Valley Visions is a series of planning efforts underway throughout the San Joaquin Valley.It takes a big-picture look at how the Central Valley can grow over time in a way that uses resources efficiently, protects existing communities, conserves farmland and open space, and supports the Central Valley economy. Planning in advance for growth can result in better neighborhoods, more housing and transportation choices, and a higher quality of life for residents.

The regional plans consider long-term housing, transportation and land use needs. Each region in California, including the eight counties of the Central Valley, is required to complete a long-term plan under Senate Bill 375 (SB 375). The eight counties of the San Joaquin Valley are coordinating on some aspects of these planning efforts to maximize resources, however each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is developing a separate plan.

There are laws that require these regional plans, but this is also an opportunity to think about how we want our region to grow and evolve over the next several years in a way that meets our needs and matches our values.

MPOs are agencies that set transportation policy and priorities for a region, outlining how transportation funds will be spent.

There are 18 MPOs in California, including 8 in the San Joaquin Valley. Each is required by state and federal laws to develop a long-range plan to guide transportation investment in the region. These Regional Transportation Plans are updated every four years to reflect current population, employment and travel projections as well as changes in local plans and regional transportation priorities.

A new requirement, added by SB 375, asks planners to also consider how land use and transportation planning can be coordinated to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This means planning for housing, jobs and services to be located in a way that helps reduce the amount we travel day-to-day in our cars and trucks.

The Blueprint was a regional planning effort to identify priorities and preferences forlong-term growth in the valley. These plans and the input gathered during that processwill support and guide Valley Visions plans. The resulting plans will be distinct from, butbuild upon, earlier Blueprint efforts.

It depends on which county you live in. Each of the eight MPOs in the San Joaquin Valleyis responsible for preparing these plans, with input from residents and otherstakeholders. They will work closely with local cities, transportation agencies andcommunity groups to get input into these plans. Everyone interested is invited toparticipate in this process to help shape our community’s future. Most of the ValleyVisions plans will be complete by the end of 2013.

The San Joaquin Valley’s economy is likely to improve as the national economy recovers.Planning for efficient land use and transportation systems makes the region moreattractive to potential employers and residents, which will support long-term growthand prosperity. Housing, transportation, and supporting infrastructure need to bedeveloped for job growth so that businesses can operate successfully and workers canlive nearby and get to work easily.

Public agencies regularly create and update land use and transportation plans, but theseare not always done together or even in coordination. The plans being created underValley Visions will consider both land use and transportation together, recognizing thatland use affects how and where people live, work, and travel. If we know what land usechanges are likely to occur, we can better plan our transportation systems to meetthose needs. Likewise, land uses may change based on how the transportation system isworking. For example, road congestion may discourage employers from locating onthose corridors.

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Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in the conduct of its business, including its Title VI responsibilities, and to the delivery of equitable and accessible transportation. Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination under Title VI on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability may file a Title VI complaint with MCAG within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination.View information on the Title VI program (PDF), including how to file a complaint with MCAG. View the appendices (PDF).